There’s no doubt that pedestals make it easier, faster and more cost-effective to build a raised floor, deck or patio. Now that you’ve decided to use a pedestal system, you need to choose a surface covering.
Since your pedestal system is made of durable materials that will not rot, it makes sense to choose a surface with longevity as well. After all, why deal with having to replace rotting wood every few years if you don’t have to?
One great way to surface your pedestal deck or patio is to use porcelain tiles. No longer confined to indoor spaces, porcelain tiles are versatile, easy to work with and offer a variety of advantages. Porcelain has been said to be the ideal material for outdoor flooring, particularly in areas like Canada where freeze & thaw cycles can wreak havoc on a hardscaping project. They are resistant to both frost and thermal shock, and easily stand up to salt damage, moss & mould, scratches, stains and fading.
Advances in manufacturing technology have led to the protection of thicker, textured tiles and 20mm porcelain tiles are now commonplace. Porcelain pavers and tiles are endowed with unique strength and hardness, capable of resisting external abrasions and boasting incredible load-bearing abilities. Some are even used in driveway applications, a testament to their impressive load-bearing strength.
Now that porcelain tiles are no longer limited to glossy, smooth surfaces; their built-in textures and non-slip coatings make them ideal for not only outdoor use, but to create safer surfaces. The spacer tabs that are part of a pedestal system allow for small gaps between each tile, providing inherent drainage which eliminates ponding, therefore reducing the risks of freezing and slipping. This instant drainage also makes them ideal for installation around the pool or hot tub or even a rooftop garden.
When constructing an outdoor surface with pedestals, you are in effect creating a raised floor. Raised floors offer a variety of advantages, including the ability to obscure electrical and plumbing conduits. When you use porcelain tiles as a surface material, you can easily inspect or access what lies underneath by simply removing a single tile.
The older, traditional methods of building hardscapes involved a great deal of time, labour and expense. From excavation & fill to imprecise levelling, the costs associated with both the build and ongoing upkeep & repair were significant. Pedestal systems make the task easier, faster and more cost-effective. By adding porcelain tiles to the mix, you’ll find that the expenses are much lower over the long run.
Porcelain tiles and pavers offer important ecological benefits too. Completely recyclable, porcelain is also odourless, hygienic and hypoallergenic; and does not release any harmful substances into the air or soil. They are also easy to remove and re-use, and do not require the use of adhesives. You’ll find that many brands are made from up to 80% recycled material, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
No longer limited to the flat, glossy designs of previous generations, porcelain tiles are now offered with finishes in a variety of sizes, colours, textures and patterns, improving their aesthetics and versatility. Not limited to a natural stone appearance, porcelain tiles are also offered in woodgrain, quartz, slate, limestone or concrete finishes, giving you the design effect you want, with the additional benefits of natural stone. One can even continue an indoor aesthetic through to the outdoors by simply changing the thickness and texture of the tiles used. Designers appreciate porcelain tiles for their ability to provide complete design freedom without compromising on safety or aesthetics.
Porcelain tiles add the perfect finishing touch to your pedestal system project. Install porcelain tiles anywhere you want a hard surface, and enjoy their beauty, durability and minimal maintenance for years to come.
